What Makes Cacao a Nutrient Transporter?
Cacao is a vasodilator meaning it helps open blood vessels, transporting nutrients to our cells which is where they are needed most. For optimum cellular function, we need to consume foods packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fatty acids and protein. Adding cacao to a smoothie or tonic will maximise the absorption of nutrients by the body.
Cacao itself is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, containing a rich source of antioxidants, magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc and theobromine. Due to its high magnesium content cacao supports muscle recovery and energy production whilst calming the nervous system and improving brain function. Magnesium is also necessary for protein synthesis, blood glucose control and blood pressure regulation.
“The health benefits of cacao for me are the opposite of coffee or alcohol, where we borrow energy and happiness from tomorrow.” Sacred Founder Dan Koch reports. “With cacao I feel like I’m giving more of myself and there’s energy leftover.”
Containing more antioxidants than even blueberries and green tea, cacao also helps protect against damage caused by unstable atoms called ‘free radicals’ which have been linked to premature aging and disease.
“So many people ask me if I’m in my twenties, I don’t know if they’re joking. I’m 36!” Dan laughs. “I live in a stressful environment, always on the go. For me to get compliments like that, that’s saying something about the health benefits of cacao.”
We often talk about the heart-opening energetics of cacao but it has a positive impact on the physical heart too. Because of its effect on vasodilation cacao is also being studied for its cardiovascular benefits. Cacao is rich in potassium which decreases risk of heart disease and actually helps keep the heart beat steady by controlling electrically signals of the myocardium, the middle layer of heart muscle. Studies have shown that cacao has a range of cardiovascular benefits including improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure, coronary artery function and decreased risk of blood clotting.
Have you tried adding medicinal superfoods to your cacao? Here are some of our favourite combinations:
- Lion’s Mane with Vitality for the ultimate nootropic medicine.
- Jing with Fire for spirited energy and a fiery pick-me-up!
- Yin Power with Earth for grounding and nourishing our vital essence.
- Reishi with Love for bliss and enhanced meditation.
Discover more about the heart-opening benefits of Cacao and the difference between Ceremonial Grade Cacao and our Sacred flavours.
Curious to know more about Dan? Read his Sacred Story!
Written by our Sacred Scribe
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